The North Fork: An Easy Weekend Getaway

The North Fork is one of my favorite places to visit. An easy weekend getaway from NYC, it has everything you could ask for: good food and wine, beaches and quaint harbor towns, shopping and culture. It’s great to explore year-round, with each season bringing its own characteristics and beauty. Come with a group of friends, or for a romantic getaway. Whoever you’re with and whenever you visit, you won’t be disappointed!

I’ve been visiting the North Fork for years and have watched the region grow and change. The quieter ‘cousin’ to the glitz and glam of the South Fork, which has the Hamptons and Montauk, this area has become a destination in its own right. Below are my ‘insider’ tips on which towns to visit, what to do, where to eat, stay and more.

(If you’re looking for other destinations to visit in the Northeast, check out my post full of Cape Cod travel tips.)

My husband enjoying the view of the Long Island Sound in East Marion, on the North Fork

Geography of the North Fork:

The North Fork is really a collection of small villages and hamlets on a peninsula that extends out from the main part of Long Island. From west to east, these include Aquebogue, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, and Orient. The vineyards and local farms are spread out amongst most of these villages and the drive (or train ride) becomes more beautiful and scenic the further east you go.

If you’re new to the area, I suggest staying near Greenport, a charming village on the harbor with a bustling main Street full of restaurants and shops. It’s also a good location for exploring Orient Point (further east) and the vineyards, (mostly west of Greenport). You can also take the 10-minute ferry ride to Shelter Island, a small island in Gardiner’s bay with a laid-back country feel. The ferry allows cars, bikers, and pedestrians.

Where to Stay on the North Fork:

There are quite a few bed and breakfasts in the area that have charm and appeal. The North Fork Guest House in Cutchogue is a modern update on a traditional B&B. The Shinn Estate Vineyard in Mattituck (one of my favorites for wine tasting), is one of the only vineyards that also has guest accommodations on the property, in a renovated farmhouse. Perks of staying there include a glass of wine upon arrival and a free wine tasting in their tasting room. If you’re a big foodie, then you’ll want to stay at the inn above the acclaimed North Fork Table Restaurant, located in Cutchogue.

There are also plenty of options in and around Greenport. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you might want to consider the Cliffside Resort Condominiums, situated on a bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound. All of the condos are 2 bedrooms, 2 bath units but can sleep up to 6 with pullout couches in most of the living rooms. For more of a boutique experience, I recommend the Greenporter Hotel. Steps away from the shops and restaurants in town, the minimalist aesthetic is soothing and tranquil. Another recent addition to the boutique category that feels like a Palm Beach transplant is American Beech. They have a number of options including 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, and a chic boutique and restaurant.

 Coffee Shops and Breakfast Spots on the North Fork:

It’s important to fuel up with a great breakfast before a day of exploring. One of my favorite spots for lattes and specialty coffees is the espresso bar, Aldo’s, located in the heart of Greenport. For quick and easy breakfast options, head to the cozy and small Fork and Anchor in East Marion. I am obsessed with the breakfast wraps here! And if you want a real ‘local’ breakfast experience, make your way to specialty roaster and café North Fork Roasting Co. You’re bound to bump into locals in this eclectic eatery.

My Favorite Lunch Spots on the North Fork:

For a quick and easy lunch or sandwiches to go, you have a few options. One of my favorites is Orient Country Store, an old-school supermarket and deli on Main Street in Orient. It has the feel of a small town general store but the sandwiches are inventive and delicious.

If you’re touring the vineyards and want a quick pit-stop, the North Fork Food Truck is a perfect option. Run by the owners of North Fork Table, the truck is located in the parking lot of the restaurant and offers outdoor seating. It’s a great way to taste the restaurant’s farm to table food without paying the hefty price-tag. Another local favorite that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner is Love Lane Kitchen. Located in Mattituck, don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you, the food is outstanding!

Restaurants and Cocktail Bars on the North Fork:

I have quite a few favorite spots for dinner. For a romantic and intimate atmosphere, sit in the outdoor garden at Caci in Southold. The menu is on the pricey side (even for NYC standards) but the modern, Italian cuisine is divine. Or, there’s North Fork Table. This restaurant is what put the North Fork on the culinary map and is worth a visit if you’re up for a splurge. Book in advance because reservations get snapped up quickly.

Noah’s in Greenport is the perfect place for large groups. It has a lively atmosphere on weekends and a diverse menu. Frisky Oyster, one of the first trendy restaurants to open on Front Street in Greenport, used to be a favorite but now I don’t find the food quite as good. However, the decor is whimsical and airy, and it’s fun to sit at the front bar and people watch. American Beech, a newcomer to the Greenport restaurant scene, is also very popular. The beachy and colorful décor feels more tropical than nautical but somehow it works. I had a great experience eating there with a group of girlfriends, and we met the owner, who was super friendly. I’ll definitely be heading back this summer.

Hands down, my favorite food experience in Greenport is at the pop-up restaurant, Paw Paw. Serving true farm to table food, all locally foraged and sourced, Paw-Paw is an experience you won’t forget. The pop-up serves dinner on select weekend nights and has two seatings a night. It’s a flat charge of $60 for the food but with multiple courses, this price is more than worth it. The menu changes every week so you’ll never have the same meal twice.

The 7 Course meal at Paw Paw

The cocktail bar I frequent in Greenport is Brix and Rye. Located downstairs inside an empty storefront, the low-lit space has a speakeasy vibe. The cocktail list is inventive and plentiful. It’s a great spot for an after-dinner drink and late-night conversation.

The Vineyards of the North Fork:

Let me preface this section with the fact that I am not a wine expert. I know that taste is very subjective. But after spending years visiting the North Fork and its many vineyards and wineries, there are some that stand out for me. This list includes my personal favorites, but whichever ones you visit, you’re bound to have a great experience.

Bedell Cellars is always at the top of my list. They have a sizable outdoor, shaded deck with commanding views of the vineyards and the wines are delicious. (Fun fact: Before my husband and I decided to get married in Brooklyn, we almost got married at Bedell Cellars.) If you’re a rosé fan, you must visit Croteaux. This vineyard exclusively produces rosé wines. With the big American flag hanging from the wood clapboard barn, the tasting garden feels like a slice of Americana. It’s the perfect spot to sit al fresco, enjoying a rosé wine flight.

The barn at Croteaux

Sparkling Pointe Vineyards is the only exclusive producer of sparkling wine on the North Fork. If you’re a fan of bubbly, this is a great option. Lenz Winery always has a good selection of wines on hand to taste. Kontokosta Winery is worth visiting for the setting alone. Located in Greenport, it’s the only waterfront vineyard situated on the bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound. I also highly recommend Shinn Estate Vineyards. I think they make some of the best wines on the North Fork and always leave with a bottle or two in hand. They are also one of the only vineyards to offer happy hour tastings. (Most vineyards close by 4 or 5 PM, even on weekends, so be sure to check the operating hours when planning your visit.)

Things to Do on the North Fork:

Depending on the season, there are many things to do on the North Fork. During the summer, my husband and I love to rent bikes and ride out to Orient Beach, a state park, where we can take a dip in the sea. On the way back, we always stop at Lavender by the Bay, a local farm that grows lavender and sells soaps and sundries. Other outdoor activities include sailing, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

One of my favorite food-related activities is shucking and eating oysters at the Little Creek Oyster Farm and Market. With picnic tables overlooking the Greenport harbor, you can get a silver bucket full of oysters and a crisp white wine or IPA to wash it down. (It turns out my husband is much better at shucking oysters than me!) If you need a break from wine after visiting the vineyards, check out the Greenport Harbor Brewery for some local brews. In the fall, visit the local farms to pick apples and pumpkins.

Enjoying the Long Island Sound. (I swear I’m not naked here, I’m wearing a bathing suit!)

The North Fork really has it all. That’s why I love it so much. I hope these recommendations serve you well. Are you planning a trip there this summer or later in the fall? Please comment below! I’d love to hear what your plans are. And if you’re familiar with the North Fork and have additional tips, please share them! I’m always looking to add new spots to my list.

Happy travels!

Meredith

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.

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